<< Back

Mercedes 2.5-16

Mileage: 77,000 Top Speed: 146 Year: 1989 0 - 60: 7.5 MOT Expiry: 10 Jun 11 BHP: 197 Tax Expiry: n/a Transmission: 4 Speed switchable Automatic Exterior Colour: Blue Black Metallic Engine Capacity: 2498 Interior Colour: Black half leather with checked cloth Engine Configuration: I4

Mercedes 2.5-16 | £Sold

Mileage: 77,000

Model History

The Mercedes Benz 190 model name was first introduced in 1953 and has taken many different disguises until its final replacement in the form of the C series in 1993. The final incarnation of the 190 was the W201 chassis. £600 million was rumoured to have been spent developing the model enough to have seriously damaged Mercedes Benz reputation and financial position had the car been a failure. Luckily this was not the case and Mercedes went on to sell approximately 1.8 million units worldwide.

The introduction of the special edition 2.3-16v model in 1983 came from Mercedes Benz desire to re-enter motorsport with a direct factory team after their retirement following the tragic events at the 1955 Le Mans race. Enlisting the help of the British engineering firm Cosworth Mercedes had plans to take the 190 to the rally circuit, however the project suddenly became unrealistic when Audi released the turbo charged, 4 wheel drive Quattro, in effect beating the 190 before the race had even started! Mercedes not wanting to lose their financial investment in development ditched plans for the rally circuit and turned their attention to the German touring car championship.

The Cosworth engine was based on the 2.3 litre 8 valve already fitted to models in the range. Cosworth added an alloy head with twin overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder boosting power to 185bhp and 174lb-ft. The car proved incredibly robust, with three cars only cosmetically altered completing a 50,000 km endurance test at the Nardo testing facility averaging 154.06mph and earning Mercedes three world records and nine international endurance records.

A larger 2.5 litre engine replaced the 2.3 in 1988. The 2.5 utilised a double valve timing chain to fix the problem of the single chains snapping on the 2.3. The increase in capacity took power to 204bhp in the non catalyst car.

Both the 2.3 and 2.5 16v Cosworths featured a body kit that reduced the drag coefficient to 0.32 one of the lowest figures for a four door saloon at the time. The steering wheel was smaller and steering ratio quicker than other 190s. The Getrag 5 speed manual ‘dog-leg' box was standard with the option of an automatic box along with a full leather interior. A limited slip differential was standard on the 2.3-16v, with the option of Mercedes ASD system that was standard fit on the 2.5-16v. ASD is an electronic system that hydraulically controls the amount of lock in the diff ranging from the standard 15% lock right up to 100%!

Shortly after the release of the 2.3 16v the brand new Nurburgring circuit hosted an opening of its new layout, a relaxed affair to raise awareness for the track, they invited past and present F1 driver to compete in a race. Mercedes supplied the cars for the event resulting in a complete grid made up of nothing but identical near road spec 2.3 16v Cosworths! It was a relatively unknown Ayton Senna looking to make an impression amongst his peers who actually won the race. Viewing highly recommended! Click Here

Equipment

ABS, Power assisted Steering, Electric operated windows, Electric operated heated Mirrors, Heated Rear Windscreen, Boot Spoiler, Catalytic converter, Central locking and remote alarm, Digital stop watch and voltmeter, Self levelling rear suspension, Limited slip differential, 4 Speed switchable automatic gearbox, Cruise control, Sunroof.

Exterior

Having been kept in a garage for the last 19 years of its life this Cosworth as you would imagine is immaculate both on top and underneath. The paint work is in excellent condition with no signs of any rust, parking dinks or scratches.

Interior

The half leather seats look unused and show no signs of wear and tear on the bolsters. The original radio is still present complemented with a 6 draw tape storage unit in the center console.

Engine & Transmission

The engine has been well maintained with a comprehensive main dealer history and as such runs and drives with no problems. We have given the car a full service changing oil and filters. The previous owner has recently replaced the exhaust system with a genuine Mercedes supplied unit.

 

The autobox, designed specifically for the Cosworth is smooth and a good comfortable alternative to the standard 'dogleg' manual without losing the sporty feel of the car.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The wheels have been refurbished by Lepsons in Kent and as such are like new being finish off with some shiny new wheel bolt. The tyres are in good condition however at the lower end of the tread scale.

History File

This car has had 3 previous owners and benefits from a full Mercedes Benz service history. The original owners manuals and documents are still present along with the pre delivery check sheet show the car supplied by Whitestone Garage Ltd, Douglas road on the Isle of Man. Every MOT certificate and tax disc are also included in the history.